Nursing in Saudi Arabia: Frequently Asked Questions for International Nurses
Nursing Jobs in Saudi Arabia – Frequently Asked Questions
Considering working as a nurse in Saudi Arabia?
Moving overseas for a nursing position is a major decision. Nurses considering Saudi Arabia often have questions about eligibility, working hours, professional licensing, accommodation, contracts and relocation.
Profco (Professional Connections) supports eligible international nurses throughout the Saudi recruitment journey.
Here are answers to some of the questions nurses frequently ask when considering nursing jobs in Saudi Arabia.
1. How Much Nursing Experience Do I Need to Work in Saudi Arabia?
Requirements vary according to the hospital, vacancy and nursing speciality.
For many Staff Nurse positions recruited by Profco, applicants generally need at least two years' equivalent full-time post-registration nursing experience. At least one year should normally be full-time.
Where some of the remaining experience has been gained part-time, the hours worked need to provide the equivalent relevant experience required for the position.
Profco assesses eligibility against the requirements of the individual hospital and vacancy.
2. Can I Apply With 18 Months' Nursing Experience?
For some nursing opportunities, nurses approaching the required experience threshold may be able to begin the application process while continuing to gain experience in their current position.
Eligibility depends on the individual vacancy and hospital requirements.
Register or sign in to MyProfco and upload your current CV or résumé so that Profco can assess your experience.
3. Which Nursing Specialities Are in Demand in Saudi Arabia?
Nursing vacancies change according to the recruitment requirements of individual hospitals.
Profco recruits experienced international nurses across clinical areas that may include critical care, emergency, theatre, cardiac, oncology, renal, paediatric and other specialist nursing areas.
For current opportunities, see Nursing Jobs in Saudi Arabia for UK & International Nurses and check Profco's current nursing vacancies.
4. Do I Need to Speak Arabic to Work as a Nurse in Saudi Arabia?
International nurses work in multicultural healthcare environments where English is widely used professionally.
However, nurses may care for patients and families with varying levels of English. Learning some basic Arabic, particularly common healthcare terminology and everyday phrases, can therefore be useful.
5. Do I Need IELTS to Work as a Nurse in Saudi Arabia?
English-language requirements can vary according to the employer, position, qualifications and applicable professional requirements.
Your Profco recruiter will advise you about the requirements that apply to the particular nursing opportunity for which you are being considered.
6. What Are Nursing Working Hours in Saudi Arabia?
Working hours and shift patterns vary according to the hospital, nursing position and employment contract.
Hospital nurses may work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends and public holidays, depending on the requirements of their position.
Candidates should check the working hours and shift arrangements stated in the individual vacancy and employment contract.
7. Are Nursing Contracts in Saudi Arabia Renewable?
Many international nursing positions are offered on fixed-term contracts that may be renewable.
Contract duration, renewal arrangements and associated benefits vary according to the employer and individual position.
Candidates should check the terms applicable to their specific employment offer.
8. Will My Hospital Provide Accommodation?
Accommodation arrangements vary according to the hospital, position and employment contract.
Depending on the vacancy, nurses may be offered employer-provided accommodation or a housing allowance.
Always check the package applicable to your individual position.
For further information, see Nursing Salaries & Benefits in Saudi Arabia.
9. Can My Family Join Me in Saudi Arabia?
This depends on the position, employer, employment contract and applicable immigration requirements.
Some internationally recruited Staff Nurse positions may be offered on a single-status basis, while senior, specialist or leadership positions may have different arrangements.
Candidates should not assume that family accommodation, healthcare, schooling or flights are included unless these benefits are specifically stated in their employment package.
10. Do I Need an SCFHS Nursing Licence?
Nurses must meet the applicable professional requirements of the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) before practising professionally in Saudi Arabia.
Requirements can include Professional Classification, primary-source verification, assessment or examination where applicable, and Professional Registration.
For detailed information, see Saudi Nursing Licence: SCFHS, DataFlow & Mumaris+.
11. How Long Does the Saudi Nurse Recruitment Process Take?
There is no single timeframe that applies to every nurse.
Timing can depend on the hospital recruitment process and the individual licensing, document verification, medical, visa and relocation requirements involved.
Profco recommends beginning the process well before you intend to relocate.
For the complete journey, see Saudi Arabia Nursing Recruitment Process.
12. Can I Apply Now and Move to Saudi Arabia Later?
Yes, for suitable vacancies.
You may be able to begin your application and progress relevant recruitment and professional licensing stages while continuing to work in your current nursing position.
Medical, visa and relocation arrangements take place later in the recruitment journey. Starting an application does not mean that you need to relocate immediately.
13. Do I Need to Resign From My Current Job Before Applying?
No.
You can begin your Saudi nursing application while continuing to work in your current position.
International recruitment and professional licensing involve several stages, so you should not assume that submitting an application means you need to resign immediately.
Your notice period and proposed commencement date can be considered as your application progresses.
14. What Documents Do I Need to Start My Application?
To get started, register or sign in to MyProfco and upload your current CV or résumé.
Your CV should clearly show your:
- Nursing qualification
- Professional registration
- Employment history and dates
- Current nursing speciality
- Relevant clinical experience
Your Profco recruiter can then advise you about the additional application and supporting documents required for the particular hospital and position.
15. What Is Life Like for International Nurses in Saudi Arabia?
Your experience will depend on the hospital, city and your individual lifestyle.
Living in Riyadh, Jeddah or Madinah can offer very different experiences, so researching both the hospital and the destination is an important part of deciding whether an international nursing opportunity is right for you.
Profco provides destination and hospital information to help candidates understand the location in which they may be living and working.
16. How Do I Apply for a Nursing Job in Saudi Arabia?
Start by registering or signing in to MyProfco and uploading your current CV or résumé.
Message Profco (Professional Connections) through your MyProfco record.
Your recruiter can review your qualifications, nursing speciality and relevant clinical experience against suitable current Saudi nursing opportunities and advise you about the next steps.